System for the transmission of signals to railroad vehicles



June 8, 1937. L. J. A. LE GOFF 2,033,195 I SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF SIGNALS TO RAILROAD VEHICLES Filed March 14, 1935 By 7. i

INVEN T0 R. LUCIEN T se u HRMnNoLEGoFF HT 'ORNEY Patented June 8, 1937 UNITED STATES SYSTEM FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF SIG- NALS T RAILROAD -VEHICLES Lucien Joseph Armand Le Gofi, Clichy, France, assignor to Socit d Electricit Mors, Clichy,

France.

Application March 14, 1935, Serial No. 10,971 In France March 15, 1934 8 Claims.

For transmitting signals to railroad vehicles, it has already been proposed to use the induction between the rails and receiving devices carried by the engine: Usually, a current pulsated according to a given code is sent into the rails, each form of the code corresponding to a different indication. In known systems, the selection of the various indications is effected by means of electric devices which actuate relays, the attraction of each of the relays varying according to the form of the code transmitted. These systems allow of producing under the eyes of the engine driver, through the medium of said relays, the lighting of certain lamps, in such a manner that the color or arrangement of the lamps lighted allows the engine driver to be informed of the specific indi-.

cations.

The present invention essentially differs, in its principle, from these systems. In fact, it particumission, to the engine driver, of the code signs,

either optically or by an acoustic means; a similar indication might moreover be obtained by using the sense of touch.

advantages:

First-It can be carried into practice without using any movable member on the vehicle, which is always liable to fail.

Second-As it reproduces for the engine driver the detail of the codes, the slightest modification (intentional or not) of the code sent can be perceived by the engine driver.

Third.-It is easy to give to the code transmitted such a rhythm that it automatically incites the engine driver to effect the necessary g operations; for instance, if three different indications are to be given to him, corresponding to the speeds permitted, he can be given an indication having a cantering rhythm for the highest speed, an indication having a trotting rhythm foran intermediate speed, and an indication of slow rhythm (walking) for lowest speed.

For giving indications to the engine driver, use

is made, on the engine, besides the windings directly influenced from a distance by induction, from the current circulating in the rails, of electronic valves, provided in suitable number, for allowing direct action on the optical, acoustic or like device perceptible to the engine driver.

The very principle of the invention leads to particular facilities. For instance, when the indication is given to the engine driver by means of a lamp which lights in front of his eyes at the same pulsation as the code transmitted, nothing larly consists in the exact and detailed trans- This arrangement has the following important 7 pressions end position contacts and transitory is easier than to record these pulsations, for instance on a film '(of the type used in kinematography) passing in front of the lamp at a predetermined speed. The recording is also effected without the useof any movable member on the 5 engine other than the film, this constituting a valuable advantage for an apparatus the operationof which must in no case whatever be unsatisfactory.

The detailed character of the indications given to the engine driver must be emphasized, as it allows the latter to effect an intelligent selection at all times.

The system is applicable, with numerous modifications, as well to the apparatus located on the track, as to the apparatus carried by the engine.

The following description, given by way of example, relates to a device in which the code emis sions on the track are sent by means of a special pendulum and the reception is effected by means of a luminescent tube exactly giving, without perceptible inertia, all the details of the code transmitted.

In the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 diagrammatically illustrates, by way of. example, the equipment of a track section supplied, according to the invention, with codecurrent, with a single pendulum having multiple contacts when it is desired to transmit four indications to the vehicles moving on the, track.

, Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the train or engine equipment. 7

The track circuit A is fed, in the usual manner, by a source of current supply CA, with a protecting resistance DA, and allows the relay EA to be energized to line clear position.

The signal transmission current, in the example under consideration, is an alternating current supplied by a generator G. This current is superimposed upon the normal track current by means of a transformer FA. i

The passage of the transmission current in the rails is regulated by a pendulum which, for that purpose, controls a number of contacts.

The pendulum. is constituted by a magnetic body i, supported by an arm 2, which is hung, by means of a joint, from a fixed point 3. The contacts controlled by the pendulum are of two types which will be hereinafter designated by the excontacts. In the example illustrated, the pendulum controls, concerning the transmission current, an end position contact and four transitory contacts.

The end position contact is substantially constituted by a contact 4, carried by the arm 2 of the pendulum and electrically connected to one of the poles of the generator G. The end of the contact i, through which current passes, comes,

at the end of the right-hand stroke of the pendulum, in contact with the free end of a flexible member, such as a resilient blade 6, capable, under certain conditions, of being put in circuit with the other pole of the generator G.

A transitory contact also comprises a contact, such as l3 carried by the arm 2 of the pendulum and electrically connected to the pole of the generator G to which the contact 4 is connected. At a given point in the right-hand stroke of the pendulum, the end of the contact l3 comes in contact with the end of a flexible member 15", such as aresilient blade, the other fixed end of which is insulated. The conducting blade w is, normally, in contact with a flexible conducting member lfi normally connected, through the primary winding of thetransformer FA, to the generator G. The flexible member I8 is normally in contact with the blade l5 and .the contact between these two members continues during a definite movement of the pendulum towards the right.

The pendulum movement continuing, the member hi strikes against a stop H? which prevents it from following the subsequent movement of the 3-0 flexible blade l5 under the action of the contact I 3 During the further movement of the pendulum, the contact is therefore broken. Whenthe pendulum returns towards the left, these phases take place in reverse direction.

The constitution and operation of the transitory contacts corresponding to the contacts I3 l3 and [3 are the same. These contacts are all connected to the same pole of the generator G; the flexible blades l8 l8 are electrically connected, as well as the flexible blades lfi 18 They are electrically connected to a terminal of the primary winding of the transformer FA, with interposition of contacts hereinafter described, the other end of the primary winding of the transformer FA being connected to the pole of the generator G opposed to that connected to the said contacts.

During a double oscillation of the pendulum from the vertical, by first starting towards the right, the following electric paths are successively established, concerning the signaling current for the arrangement illustrated by way of example:

(a) Path l3 l5 -!8 then interruption of this path by the blade I8 striking against the abutment I9 (1)) Path i3 !5 l8 then interruption of this path by the blade i8 striking against the abutment Hi (0) Path 4-6; then breaking of the contact between 4 and 6;

(d) Path l3 l5 -i8 then breaking of the contact between I3 and IE5";

(e) Path !3 -!5 i8 then breaking of the contact between I 3 and I5;

(7) Path l3-i5--i3, then interruption of this path by the blade I8 striking against the abutment I9 (9) Path l3 l5 -l8 then interruption of this path by the blade l8 striking against the abutment I9 (h) Path IS -lE ES then breaking of the contact between l3 and Hi (1') Path l8i5-i3, then breaking of the contact between I3 and I5.

The adjustment of the flexible members and of the abutments is such that the periods of time during which the various contacts are closed are exactly equal to the intervening periods of time during which said contacts are open.

The oscillations of the pendulum are sustained owing to the, charging of the condenser C from the source of current supply S, through the limiting resistance R, by the blade contact 20, 23, 24 which is closed during a moment of the stroke towards the left, and to its discharge by the blade contact 8, 9, in the coil 12 which acts on the magnetic body I.

The magnetic body I, of inverted U-form, is suspended by its curvilineal portion from the arm 2. The coil i2 is disposed between the vertical branches whereby energizing of the coil will cause oscillation of the pendulum as above set forth.

The track section A, equipped as just stated, is continued, in the direction of the traiiic, by sections B and C, the successive sections being insulated relatively to each other, as is well known.

Relays NB and NC characterize the condition of occupation of the sections B and C. When no axle is resting on the section B, the relay NB is energized; it is tie-energized in the reverse case. When no axle is resting on the section C, the relay NC is energized, this closing the contacts KC allowing the energization of relay NC by the source of current supply SC.

Under restrictive conditions of trafiic ahead in the section A, that is to say when the section B is occupied, the relay NB is de-energized; this corresponds to the opening of a contact 3!! and to the closing of a contact 29 controlled by this relay the relay NC being energized under this "most restrictive condition. The transmission current which reaches the rails of the section A is that which corresponds to the closing of contacts contacts 29 and 36 are open. The emission of I transmission current takes place through closing of the transitory contacts corresponding to the contacts l3 and [3 r there are four short emissions per double oscillation of the pendulum.

In the case of the least restrictive conditions of traflic ahead in section A, that is to say when the sections B and C are unoccupied, the relays NB and NC are energized: the contacts 30 and 3! are closed, the contact 29 is open. The emission of transmission current takes place by the operation of four transitory contacts uniformly distributed on either side of the arm 2; there are two groups of four short emissions per double oscillation of the pendulum, the impulse in the code being made by the contacts 4-6.

I The invention contemplates, by way of example, a particularly advantageous choice of types of code currents, but it is not limited to these types, the invention allowing a very great flexibility of adaptation for the transmission of more or less than four indications (for instance the most restrictive indication is given by interruption of the transmission current).

Fig. 2 illustrates the equipment of a vehicle moving on the rails in the direction 01' the arrow f.

. current and distinguish the signification Without iii) difficulty if the transmission codes havesufiicient- 1y characteristic rhythms, as is obtained in the case described by Way of example concerning an installation for supplying a track with transmission current.

According to the invention, the control of the codes received is efiected by inscription on a sensitive strip 58. The tube 52 can be observed through a filter 64; it produces its actinic effect on the sensitive strip 68 through a filter 65 and an optical system 6?. Both filters 54 and G5 are opaque to external radiations'liable to impress the film 68.

A modification is also provided in which the emission of the transmission current is effected only when a vehicle occupies the track section under consideration, or the preceding track section. On the other hand, the current passing through the contacts of the pendulum or pendu lums can, instead of having direct access to the rail, actuate a relay controlling the passage of the transmission current proper. This modification is particularly utilizable when the current circulating in the rails must be large.

As above stated, it is to be understood that the device might receive numerous modifications: Instead of luminescent tubes, use might for instance be made of a telephone receiver placed on the engine drivers ear, a vibrator placed under his fingers and the operation of which he can feel by the sense of touch.

The system above described, correspondsto a block device in which the code indications are selected by means of relays automatically operating through track circuits. It might be applied to any kind vof signaling, the selection being produced by the position of the levers, signals, etc. On the other hand, instead of using, as above stated, a lamp having a bichromatic action, with selection, on the one hand, for the engine driver, on the other hand, for recording purposes, two distinct lamps might be employed, but, as previously stated, the description given has the advantage of avoiding any complication, which cannot be obtained with the arrangement comprising two dififerent lamps.

It is to be understood that the necessary source of current sup-ply on the engine might be of any type: storage batteries, turbo-generator utilizing the steam of the engine, etc. Instead of a luminescent tube, use might be made of filament lamps, but the latter, owing to their greater consumption, are more expensive.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a systemfor indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of traflic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits actuated by the oscillations of a pendulum, means for opening and closing certain of said circuits in relation to the condition of trafiic ahead, a receiving device on the vehicle influenced by the current circulating in the rails and the rhythmic indication of which is perceptible directly to the driver reproduces precisely the rhythm of said emission. I 2. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of traflic ahead, anequipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits actuated by the oscillations of apendulum, contacts carried bythe arm of said pendulum electrically connected to the generator and coming at the end of travel of the pendulum, in contact with flexible conducting bladcs which close circuits connecting ,h

the generator to the rails, means for opening and closing certain of said circuits in relation to the condition of trafiic ahead, a receiving device on the vehicle influenced by the current.

circulating inthe rails and the rhythmic indication of which is perceptible directly to the driver reproduces precisely the rhythm of. said emission. I Y

3. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of traff c ahead, an equipment on the.

track for each section comprising. a current gen erator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits actuated by the oscillations of a pendulum, contacts carried by the arm of said pendulum and coming in contact during the.

travel of the pendulum each with an insulated flexible conducting bladenormally in elastic contact with a second flexible blade connected to the generator, an abutment limiting the latter blade whereby beyond a certain amplitudethe contact With the first blade is broken, means for opening and closing certain of the circuits in relation to the condition of traflic ahead, a receiving device on the vehicle influenced by the current circulating in the rails and the rhythmic indication of which is perceptible directly to the driver reproduces precisely the rhythm of said 61211551011.

4. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of traflic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits, means for periodically actuating said contacts for controlling the opening and closing of said circuits in relation to the condition of traific ahead, the rhythmic current thus emitted in the rails corresponding to said condition, and a receiving device on the vehicle influenced by the current circulating in the rails the rhythmic indication of which is directly perceptible to the driver.

5. In a system for indicating to the driver' of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of traffic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits, means for periodically actuating said contacts for controlling the opening and closing of said circuits in relation to the condition of traflic ahead, the rhythmic current thus emitted in the rails corresponding to said condition, a receiving device onthe vehicle inductively influenced by the current circulating in the railsv and comprising a luminous source visible to thedriver illuminated during the passage of the induced current and. extinguished reproducing in a manner directly visible to the driver the rhythm of the current emitted in the rails.

6. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of trafiic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits, means for periodically actuating said contacts for controlling the opening and closing of said circuits in relation to the condition of trafiic ahead the rhythmic current thus emitted in the rails corresponding to said condition, a receiving device on the vehicle inductively influenced by the current circulating in the rails and comprising a luminescent tube visible to the driver and illuminated during the passage of the induced current and extinguished during the non-passage of said current, thereby reproducing in a manner directly visible to the driver the rhythm of the current emitted in the rails. e

7. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of trafiic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits, means for periodically actuating said contacts for controlling the opening and closing of said circuits in relation to the condition of traflic ahead the rhythmic current thus emitted in the rails corresponding to said condition, a receiving device on the vehicle inductively influenced by the current circulating in the rails and comprising a luminous source visible to the driver illuminated during the passage of the induced current and extinguished during the non-passage of said current, thereby reproducing in a manner directly visible to the driver the rhythm of the current emitted in the rails, and a sensitive cinematographic registering strip in position to be impressed by said luminous source.

8. In a system for indicating to the driver of a railroad vehicle at insulated sections the condition of trafiic ahead, an equipment on the track for each section comprising a, current generator connected to the rails by circuits, contacts in said circuits, means for periodically actuating said contacts for controlling the opening and closing of said circuits in relation to the condition of traffic ahead the rhythmic current thus emitted in the rails corresponding to said condition, a receiving device on the vehicle inductively influenced by the current circulating in the rails and comprising a luminous source visible to the driver through a filter, said source being illuminated during the passage of the induced current and extinguished during the nonpassage of said current in such manner as to reproduce the rhythm of the current emitted in the rails, and a sensitive cinematographic registering strip in position to be impressed by said luminous source through a filter complementary to the first filter, so that any light ray capable of impressing said strip cannot escape the ensemble of the two filters.

LUCIEN JQSEPH ARMAND LE GOFF. 

